Botanic Inns Cuts Energy Costs to Improve Competitiveness
Pictured (l-r): Lorraine Ormsby, company accountant, Botanic Inns Group along with Des Connolly, key account manager, firmus energy.
7.5% Reduction in Energy bills is Re-invested in Award-winning Business.
Hospitality giant Botanic Inns has introduced a number of cost-cutting measures designed to improve its competitiveness and allow it to expand its portfolio and refurbish a number of its venues.
The company enlisted the services of specialist cost-reduction consultants in order to identify areas for improvement across its 15 outlets. One of the key recommendations made to Botanic Inns was to switch to firmus energy for its natural gas supply. The company acted on the advice immediately and 12 of its venues have now signed up to firmus./p>
The move will reduce Botanic Inns' energy costs by 7.5%*, and given that the company uses an estimated 3m kWh ** of energy each year (equivalent to over 180 homes***), the company is set to save thousands of pounds from the switch.****. The group's Company Accountant, Lorraine Ormsby commented on how the move will positively impact upon its business:
"These cost savings will allow us to further invest in our business, as we continue to expand our portfolio and improve our existing outlets - with our most recent addition being Cafe Rouge on the Newtownards Road. We are also planning a major refurbishment of The Botanic later this year. The hospitality sector is facing challenging times and we need to look at making savings wherever possible, so minimising energy costs is a real priority.
"I was aware of firmus energy and its reputation as a value supplier, so I was happy to see this confirmed by our consultants. We were also attracted to them as supplier due to their open and honest approach. As an accountant I want to see transparent and consistent billing, and a key contact who is easily reached should I have any queries. firmus is delivering each of these benefits alongside more competitive prices, so it is proving to be a great decision all round!"
Neil Holland, Head of Sales and Marketing for firmus energy, said: "We are delighted to have signed up Botanic Inns as a natural gas customer, and the fact that we were recommended by cost-saving specialists is testament to the fact that we are delivering major savings for businesses. We entered the tariff sector in the Greater Belfast area only a few months ago, offering customers savings of up to 7.5%* against Phoenix's natural gas tariff, and already hundreds of businesses have signed up to firmus. Our offer is proving particularly popular within the hospitality sector, and we expect increased interest as businesses strive to remain competitive in challenging times. We look forward to delivering the benefits of increased competition in the energy sector to more businesses in the Belfast area."
For further information please contact:
Dawn Hesketh/Michelle Black at Morrow Communications or email d.hesketh@morrowcommunications.com / m.black@morrowcommunications.com
7.5% based on 5% off the standard Phoenix IC1 and IC2 tariffs effective from 1st October 2009 excluding Direct Debit discounts plus an additional 2.5% off the standard Phoenix IC1 and IC2 tariffs excluding Direct Debit discounts if the customer registers for online account management. Offer is open until March 2010 and subject to terms and conditions.
** Estimated quantity of gas used by Botanic Inns in the previous gas year
*** Based on sum of AQs used by Botanic Inns divided by average gas used in 1yr by a 3 bed semi detached (16,613kWh per annum) as quoted by the Energy Savings Trust (excluding boiler inefficiencies)
**** Savings are based on Botanic Inns' consumption last year. Prices are based on current gas tariffs as of 13.01.10. Figures quoted exclude VAT. firmus energy's 7.5% discount based on 5% off the standard Phoenix IC1 and IC2 tariffs effective from 1st October 2009 excluding Direct Debit discounts plus an additional 2.5% off the standard Phoenix IC1 and IC2 tariffs excluding Direct Debit discounts if the customer registers for online account management. Offer is open until March 2010 and subject to terms and conditions.
